Newsmakers: Sept. 11-17, 2017

ArchitectureEsterly, Schneider & Associates Inc. hired Marymar Santiago and Erik Valiulis as associates. They both have bachelor’s of architecture degrees, Santiago’s from Pontifical Catholic University and Valiulis’ from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Colton Todd of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc. earned his licensure as an architect in Missouri, after passing the architect registration examination. Todd, who’s worked at the firm since 2013, brings its number of licensed architects to 13.

EducationWashington Monthly magazine’s September/October issue ranked College of the Ozarks No. 1 for Best Bang for the Buck Midwest Colleges and No. 3 on its Top 150 Baccalaureate Colleges.

Nixa High School’s Wingspan magazine earned an international first-place rating from Quill and Scroll Honor Society for high school journalists. The award is based on issues completed during the 2016-17 school year, judged in three major categories: coverage, visuals, and writing and editing.

Health CareJackie Kemnic, a registered dietician nutritionist, joined Bolivar’s Citizens Memorial Hospital as a clinical dietician. She’s earned a bachelor’s in nutrition/dietetics from College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and completed a dietetic internship at Missouri State University.

The American Red Cross of Southwest Missouri added four board members for 2017-18: James Bonds, owner and leadership development coach at Well Driven Life LLC; Bruce Colony, vice president and chief operating officer for DeWitt & Associates Inc.; Genny Maroc, vice president of clinical services and system administration at CoxHealth; and Jean Nyberg, partner at BKD LLP.

The Ozark Neuro Rehab Center joint venture between Mercy and CoxHealth became reaccredited for the Certified Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities. The certification signals commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback and serving the community.

InsuranceThe Society of Certified Insurance Counselors recognized Edd Akers of Ollis/Akers/Arney with a certificate honoring his 30 years of participation in advanced insurance education. Akers, a certified insurance counselor, earned the designation through a series of examinations.

Ollis/Akers/Arney hired Heather Schudy as a benefits account manager. She previously worked for Edward Jones as a senior branch office administrator for seven years.

NonprofitChild Advocacy Center hired Linda Saturno as executive director. With 14 years of nonprofit and health care experience in child protection programs, she most recently served as a social work specialist for the U.S. Peace Corps Response program, supporting the government of St. Lucia in achieving its child protection mandates.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri honored three volunteers at its annual appreciation dinner. Brandi Eilenstein received the CASA Hero Award, Lyle Smith was CASA Volunteer of the Year and JoAnne Jackson was named Lifetime Advocate recipient award.